The Wallabies got things back on track with a 32-14 win over Italy on Saturday, despite the scoreline perhaps flattering the visitors in what was at times a closely contested match.
Berrick Barnes kicked an impressive 22 points to add to the early try of Drew Mitchell and the late one by captain Rocky Elsom at the final whistle. Italy defended strongly though and were powerful in the scrum, an area that continues to be troublesome for Australia.
“It’s a test match and we were very happy with the win however it came,” Elsom said. “Their strength is in the pack and the backs didn’t get a lot out of us.”
Coach Robbie Deans said he was happy with the way his side got back up following losses to England and Munster in recent weeks. “Obviously I’m satisfied, it was a genuine test match and the boys had to work hard for it,” he said. “We were a little impatient in the first half, we created a lot but we didn’t conclude a lot.
“That’s to Italy’s credit, they hung in there and as we anticipated they used field position and a bit of cunning to turn the scoreboard over but our boys showed a lot of composure and we earned the result,” Deans added.
Italy scored a dubious try that looked to be knocked on, and were kept in the game via Wallaby errors and some good kicking from Mirco Bergamasco and Luciana Orquera. Theyll take heart from the performance though as they tested a top three ranked side.
The Wallabies head to France next weekend to play their final game on tour, while Italy will look for a win when they host the exciting Fijians in Modena.
Time:
05:57
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